Steven Dool and Colin Randerson from Neston High School review the renovation plans with Elly McFahn and Anthony Annakin-Smith of Brio Leisure, Sarah Dobbins, from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Lesley Finnigan, manager at Neston Recreation Centre (Image: Brio Leisure)

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Chairman of Brio Leisure and Neston resident Anthony Annakin-Smith said: “The new facilities will considerably enhance the enjoyment of Neston Rec for our many users and make it a much more attractive place to visit for them and for newcomers. The investment underpins Brio’s commitment to supporting fitness, fun and health for the whole community.”

Proposals for the investment have been approved by the operator, Brio Leisure and the council, which owns the building and include £500,000 worth of National Lottery funding from Sport England particularly to improve the experience for swimmers.

Brio and the borough have been working in partnership with Neston Town Council and Neston High School to help shape the revised design.

Borough council director Alison Knight said: “The proposals will deliver a modern, fit for purpose centre for the whole community to enjoy and support the recommendations outlined in Neston’s Neighbourhood Plan.”

A planning application will be submitted shortly with the aim of work commencing this summer. Completion is planned for spring 2018.

The construction schedule is still to be finalised but Brio says the plans are likely to lead to closure for a few weeks over the summer.

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Sport England property director Charles Johnston, said: “Thankfully as a nation we are becoming more active. Meeting this demand can be challenging but thanks to £500,000 of National Lottery funding we can help Neston Recreation Centre improve their facilities so even more people can enjoy a first rate experience of being active.

“Swimming is one of those sports that everyone can enjoy whether you’re going length after length or just having a quick splash about.”

Elly McFahn, managing director at Brio and herself a former competitive swimmer, added: “These exciting plans will deliver great benefits to all our user groups. We’ll be working closely with them before and during construction to minimise the temporary disruption.”

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The centre is used extensively by the adjoining Neston High School which will have a dedicated entrance.

Headteacher Steven Dool said: “We are delighted to see this new investment which will complement the fantastic new school building alongside. It will also enable us to raise participation and achievement in sport even further for the young people in our community.”

The works at Neston are the latest investment by the borough council in Cheshire West’s sports and leisure facilities which have included the new state-of-the art £15m Ellesmere Port Sports Village sport and leisure complex.